We’d like to share with you some recent and exciting news from Westmont, our alma mater.

The class of 2013 has arrived in time to witness the completion of the first new building on campus since 1985. Campus planners, friends, and Westmont alumni saw the first fruits of their hard work when, on September 10, they watched the College’s Keck Telescope being lowered into the metallic dome at the new observatory. Students will start attending classes at the yet-to-be-named observatory in January, and the telescope will be available for public viewing at Homecoming on Friday, October 16. We hope you’ll have an opportunity to join the Westmont family for this exciting event!

Photo by Warren Air Videoand Photography, Inc.

The completion of the observatory marks a milestone in Westmont’s master plan construction. The observatory is the first of many new buildings that current and future Westmont students will enjoy, and we would like to thank all Westmont alumni for your prayers and support as the College has striven to reach this goal. Read more about the new observatory and the Keck Telescope. You can also see photos and follow construction progress.

We would also like to share with you some news about an impressive exhibition at Westmont’s Reynolds Art Gallery. “Sordid and Sacred: The Beggars in Rembrandt’s Etchings” will be on display until Saturday, October 31. Reynolds Gallery and Director Judy L. Larson invite visitors to view the 36 etchings from the John Villarino Collection. We hope you will be able to attend Homecoming on October 16 and 17 and to view this special exhibition at Westmont.

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to attend homecoming this year. My husband Josh (class of ’97) is in a full-time Arabic language program in preparation for our move to Cairo, Egypt in the fall of 2010. I hope you will have great stories to share with me about your weekend though!

Sincerely,
Robin Chartier

P.S. Have you moved lately? Had a child? Changed jobs? Gotten married? Update your profile on Westmont’s Alumni Directory and stay in touch with your classmates!